CT HB06464

Extends COVID-19 as a qualifying reason for absentee voting through June 1, 2021, allowing electors unable to appear at polling places due to coronavirus sickness to vote by absentee ballot.

Modifies absentee ballot envelope forms through June 1, 2021 to include COVID-19 sickness as a listed reason for voting by absentee ballot alongside existing reasons (armed service, illness, disability, religious beliefs, election duties).

Accelerates absentee voting set mailing timelines through June 1, 2021 from twenty-four hours to forty-eight hours after application receipt by municipal clerks, or permits use of approved third-party vendors mailing within seventy-two hours.

Authorizes secure drop boxes for absentee ballot return through June 1, 2021, with municipal clerks required to retrieve ballots beginning twenty-nine days before elections on each weekday, and police escort if drop box is located outside the clerk's office building.

Grants Secretary of State authority to waive institutional absentee voting supervision requirements for the 2020 election and any elections through June 1, 2021 based on public health emergency, provided consultation with Commissioner of Public Health and written notice to municipalities.